Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland is to receive a number of
upgrades and improvements that will significantly increase her
sustainability and fighting capability, in a complex and tightly
scheduled nine month refit being undertaken by Babcock at its
Devonport Royal Dockyard facility, which started today (14
March).
A key feature of this complex and tightly scheduled project
(awarded under the Surface Ship Support Alliance - the alliance
between the MoD, Babcock, and BAE Systems) will be close and
effective partnering between Babcock and the MoD. Already Babcock
has been working closely with the MoD to develop the work
specification, taking into account lessons learnt from recent Type
23 upkeep periods. This has enabled much of the traditional project
growth work to be included in the work specification from the
start, for optimum efficiency in planning and execution.
Among the 13 upgrades to be undertaken, Northumberland will
receive the new DNA(2) Command System, which is central to its
capability against air, surface and underwater threats. A
comprehensive programme integrating all existing weapons, sonar and
radar systems will be carried out during the commissioning phase of
this upgrade.
Further upgrades include installation of the Defence Information
Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)), enabling information sharing and
collaborative working across the Armed Forces and MoD; the SeaWolf
mid-life update (SWMLU) comprising tracking, guidance and weapon
management upgrades to counter evolving anti-ship missile threats;
the installation of the new automatic small calibre gun (ASCG);
NATO radial filters to protect fresh air supplies from
contamination in the event of an incident; and replacement of the
incident detection Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Incident
Surveillance System (NBCDISS) with a new sophisticated, digital
system including fire and flood detection and door and hatch status
indication. A galley equipment upgrade will also be undertaken,
ensuring the services areas are in the optimum condition to support
the ship.
Mechanical upgrades include the high pressure air system (to
provide a safe, reliable and flexible method of isolation across
the HP air ring main, without needing to drain the whole system
during periods of maintenance or repair), and modification to the
underwater inlets and outlets.
These upgrades will be undertaken alongside a full programme of
deep maintenance, including replacement of the Sonar 2050 dome and
array, replacement of port and starboard shafts, and replacement of
the port main propulsion gear wheel (involving removal and
replacement of a large quantity of equipment, pipework, and cables
as well as the ten tonne gear wheel), plus a full structural survey
of the ship and large paint preservation package.
In recognition of the importance of close working on this
project, a partnering day is being arranged involving all key
stakeholders (Babcock, the MoD, ship's staff and key Babcock
suppliers), and a partnering charter established, setting out
agreed principles and values to which all involved will work to
ensure the success of the refit.
Babcock project manager Jim Hart commented: "There are a number
of challenging goals to be achieved on this refit, with a complex
programme of work to be undertaken. There are numerous interlinking
activities that must be carefully planned to avoid any conflict and
enable the very tight schedule to be maintained. We will be
building on our previous experience and successes, and working
closely with the MoD and ship's staff to ensure an efficient and
effective approach, maintaining a safe working environment, and
delivering optimum value for money. We look forward to returning
HMS Northumberland to the MoD and Royal Navy on time and in
budget."
Platform Group Manager Surface Combatants, Commander Tim Geary,
said: "This will be a challenging project, but Devonport has a
strong track record of delivering to time and quality, and all
parties are determined to continue this success with HMS
Northumberland."
HMS Northumberland will rejoin the fleet on completion of her
sea trials in December.